How to Reduce Menopause Sweating

Menopause is a stage in women's lives when menstruation has ceased for at least 12 consecutive months. Drastic hormonal changes characterize this stage and the period of "change" that precedes it, called perimenopause. This hormonal change is said to be responsible for menopause sweating or night sweats.

Night sweats are very annoying because it can wake you up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat and feeling very uncomfortable. It can keep you up and unable to go back to sleep. And when we don't get enough sleep, it can really affect our mood and productivity during the day.

Although we know that we cannot totally eliminate or stop the changes that take place, we can at least learn how to cope and reduce the incidence and discomfort of menopause sweating.

1. Right diet. To lessen the amount of menopause sweating you should eat lots of fruits and vegetables, flaxseed, food with plenty of fiber and low-fat protein foods such as soy.


2. Daily exercise. Increasing your metabolism during the day through daily exercise will help your body relax and be stress-free thus reducing your night sweats.


3. Relax before going to sleep. Take a relaxing bath with lavender oil or a calming shower using lavender soap at least an hour before going to bed. Relax before you go to sleep by listening to soothing music or just reading a book to reduce your menopause sweats.


4. Room temperature. Keep your room temperature cool either by turning on the air conditioner or a fan. Also use fresh and cool sleepwear to lessen your night sweats.


5. Clean beddings. Always have crisp and clean beddings on hand so that you will always feel fresh and cool. Having soiled beddings will make you fret and feel restless contributing to an increase in your night sweats. Also do not use heavy blankets which will just increase your sweating, use light sheets made from breathable fabrics instead.


6. Freshen up. If you are awakened during the night feeling flushed and perspiring, get up and freshen up. Take a shower or a sponge bath and change to fresh sleepwear if necessary to keep you cool and reduce your menopause sweats.


7. Vitamins and minerals. Vitamins B, C, E, magnesium and potassium are necessary to help our body function well and combat stress. Daily dosage of vitamins and minerals will reduce the frequency of menopause sweats.


8. Fragrance oils. Use fragrance oils in your room, on your beddings and in your bath water to help you relax and relieve you of the stresses of the day. This may help reduce menopause night sweats.


9. Sage. Sage tea made from fresh sage leaves is said to be a strong remedy for night sweats and other menopausal symptoms because of its cooling and drying effect. Although sage is not recommended for pregnant and breast-feeding women, only one dose a day is enough for the rest of us to benefit from it.